It can be said, almost without exaggeration, that martyrdom has become one of the most pressing theological issues facing the contemporary world. Since the attack on the World Trade Center in 2001, the world has had to face up to an Islamic manifestation of martyrdom. Martyrdom has a long history; as long as individuals have been dying for their faith or cause, others have been telling and more importantly, interpreting their stories. These martyrologies are essentially conflict stories. Whether a Christian confessing her faith before a bemused Roman governor, or a suicide bomber blowing himself up in a crowed cafe in Jerusalem, the way these stories are recounted - positively or negatively - reflect a wider conflict in which the narrator and his community find themselves. Martyr narratives, whether textual, oral, or even a CNN news report, do more than simply report a death; they also contain the interpretative framework by which that death is understood - again positively or negatively. When the death of a martyr is reported, the way in which that story is told places that death within a larger narrative of conflict, which may be regional, global, or even cosmic. The martyr becomes a symbol of the community's desires and hopes, or for that matter, their terrors and fears, but in either case, the martyr is representative of a larger struggle, and often martyrology contains the vision of how the community envisages final victory over their enemy. This book aims to illuminate the way these conflict stories have been told and function (principally, though not exclusively) within Christian, Jewish, and Islamic communities. Continuum's Guides for the Perplexed are clear, concise and accessible introductions to thinkers, writers and subjects that students and readers can find especially challenging - or indeed downright bewildering. Concentrating specifically on what it is that makes the subject difficult to grasp, these books explain and explore key themes and ideas, guiding the reader towards a thorough understanding of demanding material.
Industry Reviews
'In Martyrdom: A Guide for the Perplexed, Paul Middleton gives a clear and balanced introduction to a misunderstood and complicated cross-cultural phenomenon. With remarkable sensitivity and great range, Middleton draws together a wealth of material and ably shows that the importance of martyr narratives for Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities is one of the things that binds, rather than divides, us.' - Candida R. Moss, Assistant Professor, Department of Theology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.--Sanford Lakoff
'In recent years scenes of religious martyrs sacrificing themselves and killing others has become a constant feature of news reporting across the globe. This lively and learned study explores the nature of martyrdom through the ages in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Throughout the author examines the ways that martyrs are created by the retelling of their stories. This is a fascinating major contribution to this neglected and increasingly important field of study.' - Professor Dan Cohn-Sherbok Emeritus Professor of Judaism, University of Wales Trinity St David, UK.--Sanford Lakoff
'Written with clarity, sophistication and wit, this short book provides an exceptionally useful introduction to martyrdom, both in the past and the present. Middleton's views are balanced and persuasive, and the work will become a standard treatment of a highly contentious contemporary issue. A fine addition to the Guides for the Perplexed series.' - Helen Bond, School of Divinity, The University of Edinburgh, UK.--Sanford Lakoff
